A recent episode of Global News Talk Radio (GNTR) delivered a wide-ranging critique of the Marcos administration, raising issues involving major infrastructure credit-grabbing, alleged corruption surrounding the 2024 national budget, mounting concerns over military alliances with the United States and Japan, and new geopolitical developments involving China. The hosts also highlighted an intensifying call for accountability across branches of government, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Supreme Court.
China-Funded Projects and “Credit-Grabbing” Controversy
Hosts Ka Mentong, Ka Ado, and Ka Joshua strongly criticized the Marcos administration for allegedly claiming the China-donated Bucana Bridge in Davao City as part of its flagship Build Better More program.
According to their discussion, the project was conceptualized and finalized during the Duterte administration through cooperation with China.
The GNTR panel insisted that the bridge’s funding and origin were factually tied to Chinese development assistance, arguing that government narratives branding it as a Marcos achievement mislead the public. They further emphasized China’s history of donating infrastructure such as:
- Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge
- Binondo-Intramuros Bridge
- Chico River Irrigation Project
- Kaliwa Dam (ongoing)
The hosts urged the public to “expose the misrepresentation,” warning that the administration is “stealing credit” to rehabilitate its image amid corruption scandals.
Bridge Collapses Highlight Failures in Public Works, Panel Says
The discussion also pointed to at least eight bridge collapses between 2022 and 2024, which the hosts attributed to poor maintenance, substandard materials, and systemic issues within DPWH. They argued that this forms the “real” infrastructure legacy of the Marcos presidency.
Among the bridges cited were structures in Kalinga, Isabela, Cagayan, Batangas, Pangasinan, Bohol, and Laguna.
Supreme Court Ruling on the 2024 Budget: “Unconstitutional”
A major portion of the program analyzed the Supreme Court decision ordering the national government to return ₱60 billion taken from PhilHealth, ruling that transferring private insurance funds to the national budget was unconstitutional.
Hosts cited separate opinions from justices emphasizing that:
- PhilHealth contributions are private funds and cannot be diverted for government spending.
- The Presidential Certification of Urgency for the 2024 budget was unconstitutional.
- The entire 2024 General Appropriations Act is technically void, although already implemented.
The panel warned that the ruling exposes the government to criminal or administrative liability, especially President Marcos Jr., who certified the budget as urgent.
ICC Issue and Duterte Case Resurfacing
The episode also addressed the revival of a 2017 criminal complaint involving alleged drug war abuses, citing discussions at the Supreme Court regarding complementarity between Philippine courts and the International Criminal Court.
GNTR hosts argued that because the Philippines had existing domestic cases related to drug war killings, the ICC should not have jurisdiction.
Defense, Military Alliances, and “First Island Chain” Concerns
Hosts also criticized the AFP leadership for aligning too closely with U.S. strategic interests, warning that:
- New U.S. National Security Strategy shifts American focus inward to the Western Hemisphere.
- The Philippines may become a “first island chain frontline” against China.
- U.S. military presence under EDCA provides no direct funding, while exposing the Philippines to geopolitical risk.
- American missile systems stationed in the Philippines could make the country a target.
The hosts pressed the military to “side with the Filipino people” and resist policies they claimed were not aligned with national interests.
Japan’s New PM and Regional Tensions
GNTR also discussed the geopolitical implications of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s controversial statements on Taiwan, noting growing global concern about the possibility of Japan “returning to militarism.”
They cited the economic backlash Japan has recently faced from China, including tourism cancellations and trade impacts.
Domestic Political Turmoil and Corruption Allegations
The program revisited ongoing corruption issues, especially the alleged ₱1.2 trillion in questionable budget allocations, including:
- the ₱60 billion transfer from PhilHealth
- alleged “insertion networks” in the appropriations process
- purported influence of political families in budget distribution
They urged accountability from agencies, lawmakers, and the Armed Forces, warning that democratic institutions are “showing strain” under political pressure.
Call to Action and Public Advocacy
In its closing portions, the broadcast made several appeals:
- For citizens to remain vigilant against government misinformation
- For the military to “act in accordance with the Constitution”
- For public support of independent media efforts discussing China–Philippines relations
- For wider acknowledgment of China-assisted development projects
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